How IAMCP Members Can Support Youth Through Technology by Sharreace Baldwin

IAMCP (International Association of Microsoft Channel Partners)

Earlier this year, the IAMCP-SoCal board of directors and committee chairs got together for an annual retreat to discuss important chapter matters. As a group, we assessed each area/committee (Events, Communication, Membership and all the others including Philanthropy. One question that was asked of our philanthropy efforts was: How can we bring value to STEM-related non-profit organizations?

We had already designated two wonderful charities as the beneficiaries of our upcoming golf tournament proceeds. I suggested looking into other youth-based non-profits with a STEM or technology focus and I was encouraged to make a list of local organizations we could donate to in the future. I didn’t envision leading a 20-minute PowerPoint presentation in front of dozens of Microsoft partners and IAMCP members about such organizations but that’s exactly what I did.
IAMCP SoCal
At the December IAMCP-SoCal meeting, just in time for Computer Science Education Week (#CSEdWeek), I led the topic: Supporting Youth Through Technology – How IAMCP Members can Contribute and Inspire!  I highlighted four non-profits and a STEAM event, sharing their mission, needs and current efforts toward advocating STEM fields for children. I shared a little about Microsoft’s efforts with their YouthSpark programs at the Microsoft Stores. I also included an inspiring quote from Nikkia T. Carter, the Philanthropy Chair for the Washington, DC IAMCP chapter, about giving back to her community with technology.

OC STEM Initiative

OC STEMOC STEM is a a non profit and partnership of students, parents, teachers, businesses and other investors who want to promote the authenticity of STEM. They have numerous programs dedicated to workforce development, professional development, STEM learning and communication (including social media). They have a large focus on educating teachers and work with the Children and Families Commission in Orange County for outreach. They accept various types of contributions. Learn more about OC STEMhere.

Bresee Foundation

Bresee FoundationFellow IAMCP-SoCal member, Tim Martin, from ActionPoint, was kind enough to invite me to a gala he was hosting for Bresee Foundation in Los Angeles. Tim, who is on the board of directors at Bresee, told me of the successful STEM programs and sophisticated technology labs the foundation has been able to build through supportive and generous donors. I was able to see for myself the positive impact efforts like this had on the youth and the staff at Bresee. I was very impressed with the event and inspired to make others aware of this foundation. Learn more about Bresee here .

Girls Who Code

Girls Who CodeGirls Who Code is a national non-profit dedicated to teaching computer science to girls in grades 6 through 12. They are probably one of the more well known organizations encouraging girls to code. I included them in my presentation because of their “Girls Who Code Clubs” in major cities. Volunteers and supporters may find it a little easier to get involved by contacting a ‘club’ nearby. According to their website, ‘Girls Who Code aims to provide computer
science education and exposure to 1 million young women by 2020.’ Wow! Learn more about Girls Who Code here

Black Girls Code

Black Girls CodeSince their inception in 2011, this Oakland, CA-based non-profit has had a mission to ‘increase the number of women of color in the digital space by empowering girls of color ages 7 to 17 to become innovators in STEM fields, leaders in their communities, and builders of their own futures through exposure to computer science and technology.’ They have regional chapters and sponsor exciting workshops, coding events and more. Their “hackathons” and app-making workshops are always a hit! They are in need of computer science experts, monetary donations and mentors. One new development that I am anticipating is their creation of ‘Black Boys Code’ coming soon. Learn more about Black Girls Code here.

Science Technology Engineering Arts Mathematics

The Orange County Fair will be hosting a STEAM competition called “Imaginology” from April 15-17, 2016. The competition is open to grades Pre-K through 12 and includes a science and engineering division amongst the categories.

A PDF of the presentation was shared online with current IAMCP-SoCal members. To learn more about how your IAMCP chapter or community organization can support your local youth through technology or create a similar presentation, email administration@iamcp-socal.org.

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S. Baldwin Marketing CommunicationsSharreace Baldwin is passionate about using her creative and professional expertise to help others. As the Marketing Manager at Bond Consulting Services, and the Administrator for the Southern California chapter of IAMCP, she engages with some of the best technology professionals, industry experts, entrepreneurs and business community organizations. She loves being involved with youth and community projects and plans to continue to advocate for STEM programs. Follow her @SharrBaldwin

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